The Gordon Lewis Memorial Southampton Scratch Billiards Championship 2019-2020
Third round matches are complete and quarter-finals draw...
Thursday 26th March - Gordon Lewis 2nd phase / Challenge Cup 2nd phase
Wednesday 1st April - Gordon Lewis Semi-finals / Challenge Cup
semi-finals
Wednesday 29th April - Gordon Lewis Final / Challenge Cup Final
Second round of matches have taken place...
First round of matches have taken place...
Organised by Chris Bishop and Andy Carter
Please send in all results to Andy ([email protected]) or Chris ([email protected])
DRAW HAS TAKEN PLACE. PLEASE MAKE SURE YOU TAKE NOTE OF ALL DATES AND MATCHES
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The Gordon Lewis Memorial Southampton Scratch Billiards Championship 2018-2019
Final played at Churchills Eastleigh, Thursday 4 April 2019
Chandlers Ford Central's Danny Zagaroli beat holder and teammate John Mullane in an entertaining final played at Churchills Eastleigh.
The final played over two, hour long sessions, started with Mullane making a finely crafted 51 break and a 36 to lead Zagaroli by 95 points to 78, after Zagaroli had made a 27 and 32 in the first 15 minutes.
Zagaroli then started to find his range, as he made two breaks of 30, and a fine 62, to lead by 215 to 129 with 20 minutes to go in the first hour, as Mullane struggled to find his form, making a 27 break. Zagaroli helped by more table-time in the first hour, then made a 32 and 22 to lead by 307 to 160 at the halfway mark.
At the resumption, Zagaroli kicked on again, making breaks of 18, 40, 20, 18 and 20 to lead by a considerable 200 points, 415 to 215. Mullane then finally found some rhythm, making a 47 break with 30 minutes to go, to trail by 271 to 435. But Zagaroli hit back making a 45 break to lead by 480 to 271.
Mullane had to respond if he wanted to have any chance of retaining the Gordon Lewis Championship Trophy. Well he did, making fluent runs of 67 and 55 with 13 minutes to go, to trail by only 67 points, 413 to 480! Could he force the match into a nail-biting final few minutes?
Well, Zagaroli responded like the true champion he is, and as the tension mounted in the last 10 minutes, compiled a 16, a ten 'hazard' 33 and a 28 unfinished break at the two hour buzzer to win his ninth Gordon Lewis Championship Trophy by 574 points to 450. Well played Danny!
John Mullane 450 (51, 36, 47, 67, 55)
V
Danny Zagaroli 574 (32, 30, 30, 62, 32, 40, 45, 33)
Semi-finals
John Mullane beat Paul Lawrence 499-226
Daniel Zagaroli beat Terry Azor 331-263
Words from Tony Aldridge
At the half-way stage Mullane had scored 250 points which included breaks of 70, 43, 38 and 43 to hold a lead of 151. Lawrence improved through the second 45 minutes, and although no breaks over 30 were made, he had no answer to Mullane's superiority at the table.
Zagaroli held a useful 76 points lead at the 45 minute buzzer, thanks to an 83 break which did include a fortunate run of the ball at 54. Azor replied with a 30 break and did indeed start to claw back the deficit but when time was called he was still 68 in arrears.
Referees for the evening Tony Aldridge and Brian Cannons
Adjudicator in attendance Peter Green.
Paul Lawrence (Park Gate RBL)
Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central)
Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central)
John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central)
DRAW ON THE NIGHT
Paul Lawrence (Park Gate RBL) 300
V
Tony Aldridge (Totton Rec) 138 (35)
Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) 300
V
Mick Kunzi (Totton Rec) 116
Korbin Lowe (Chandlers Ford Central) 174
V
Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central) 300
Chris Bishop (St Denys Cons) 140
V
John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) 300 (63, 108 unfinished)
John Mullane beat Paul Lawrence 499-226
Daniel Zagaroli beat Terry Azor 331-263
Words from Tony Aldridge
At the half-way stage Mullane had scored 250 points which included breaks of 70, 43, 38 and 43 to hold a lead of 151. Lawrence improved through the second 45 minutes, and although no breaks over 30 were made, he had no answer to Mullane's superiority at the table.
Zagaroli held a useful 76 points lead at the 45 minute buzzer, thanks to an 83 break which did include a fortunate run of the ball at 54. Azor replied with a 30 break and did indeed start to claw back the deficit but when time was called he was still 68 in arrears.
Referees for the evening Tony Aldridge and Brian Cannons
Adjudicator in attendance Peter Green.
Paul Lawrence (Park Gate RBL)
Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central)
Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central)
John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central)
DRAW ON THE NIGHT
Paul Lawrence (Park Gate RBL) 300
V
Tony Aldridge (Totton Rec) 138 (35)
Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) 300
V
Mick Kunzi (Totton Rec) 116
Korbin Lowe (Chandlers Ford Central) 174
V
Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central) 300
Chris Bishop (St Denys Cons) 140
V
John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) 300 (63, 108 unfinished)
Mullane's billiards masterclass knocks
us for six!
The Gordon Lewis Memorial Scratch Billiards Championship 2017-2018
John Mullane won his 6th Southampton Billiards Gordon Lewis Memorial Senior Scratch Billiards Championship with a fine display of all-round and top-of-the-table billiards against friend and Chandlers Ford Central team captain Terry Azor at the Chandlers Ford Central Club.
Mullane started the game with the yellow (spot) ball, but Azor was first in with his white at the start of the 2 by 1 hour timed final, but failed to convert a good opportunity by miss-cueing when in prime position. Mullane stepped in and made a break of 51 to settle into his familiar rhythm. After 15 minutes Mullane was leading by 71 points to 28. The Chandlers Ford match table was in beautiful playing condition, and Azor looked as if he was finding his own range, as he made a 25 break but frustratingly broke down again when in good position. Mullane countered with a superb 71 and a 24 break to lead by 169-84.
Mullane then made 40 points at the top-of-the-table, took the new red-spotted yellow, red-spotted white and red (the first time the league had used the newly-styled match balls) away to the middle of the table, and played some delightful cannons and in-offs from hand. He kept all three balls in a zone just in front of the ‘D’ and the middle pockets line. This was a joy to watch, and another selection of shots the spectators ‘put in their locker’ for future use! The 40 points soon became 60, 70, 80, 90. And with 18 minutes to go in the first hour, Mullane let the onlookers applaud the first 100 break!
Just when we thought he was going to get into a groove and make a double, if not a treble century, Mullane missed a relatively straightforward pot red at the top-of-the-table, to end the break at a magical 137. He admitted at the end that it was “really a run through in-off and not a pot”!
Azor responded well with a 33 break but still trailed by 345 points to 163 at the 55 minutes mark. Mullane was at the table on a break of 2 at the halfway stage, and resumed by taking the three balls back to the top-of-the-table and constructing a magical 113 in 9 minutes and 30 seconds! He also added breaks of 39 and 52 (breaking down after a ‘kick’ made him miss a standard in-off) to extend his lead by 549 points to 182.
Azor got to 17, but had a massive ‘kick’ himself off the red ball when playing an in-off from hand into a middle pocket. Mullane showed his killer instinct by adding a 56 break. But Azor threw caution to the wind and made a superbly fluent 63 break and a 32, to trail by 294 points to 605 with 18 minutes to go.
Mullane got to 6 and had a ‘fluke’, took the break to 54 but lost Azor’s white in baulk, then played safe. Azor responded with a 35 break but had another ‘kick’ when well set to leave himself dreaming of what might have been. The final few minutes of the match had Azor finish on 22 unfinished, to leave his friend winning the prestigious championship by 673 points to 375. Well done John!
Thanks go to Chandlers Ford Central for holding the final and Chandlers Ford Central’s Korbin Lowe and Totton Rec’s Tony Aldridge for refereeing and marking the final. The only sour note on a fantastic display of billiards was the number of spectators that turned out for the final. Perhaps we should make it compulsory for at least one team member from each club to attend next season…there’s a thought!
John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) – 673
(51, 71, 137, 113, 39, 52, 56, 54)
V
Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central) – 375
(33, 63, 32, 35)
Mullane started the game with the yellow (spot) ball, but Azor was first in with his white at the start of the 2 by 1 hour timed final, but failed to convert a good opportunity by miss-cueing when in prime position. Mullane stepped in and made a break of 51 to settle into his familiar rhythm. After 15 minutes Mullane was leading by 71 points to 28. The Chandlers Ford match table was in beautiful playing condition, and Azor looked as if he was finding his own range, as he made a 25 break but frustratingly broke down again when in good position. Mullane countered with a superb 71 and a 24 break to lead by 169-84.
Mullane then made 40 points at the top-of-the-table, took the new red-spotted yellow, red-spotted white and red (the first time the league had used the newly-styled match balls) away to the middle of the table, and played some delightful cannons and in-offs from hand. He kept all three balls in a zone just in front of the ‘D’ and the middle pockets line. This was a joy to watch, and another selection of shots the spectators ‘put in their locker’ for future use! The 40 points soon became 60, 70, 80, 90. And with 18 minutes to go in the first hour, Mullane let the onlookers applaud the first 100 break!
Just when we thought he was going to get into a groove and make a double, if not a treble century, Mullane missed a relatively straightforward pot red at the top-of-the-table, to end the break at a magical 137. He admitted at the end that it was “really a run through in-off and not a pot”!
Azor responded well with a 33 break but still trailed by 345 points to 163 at the 55 minutes mark. Mullane was at the table on a break of 2 at the halfway stage, and resumed by taking the three balls back to the top-of-the-table and constructing a magical 113 in 9 minutes and 30 seconds! He also added breaks of 39 and 52 (breaking down after a ‘kick’ made him miss a standard in-off) to extend his lead by 549 points to 182.
Azor got to 17, but had a massive ‘kick’ himself off the red ball when playing an in-off from hand into a middle pocket. Mullane showed his killer instinct by adding a 56 break. But Azor threw caution to the wind and made a superbly fluent 63 break and a 32, to trail by 294 points to 605 with 18 minutes to go.
Mullane got to 6 and had a ‘fluke’, took the break to 54 but lost Azor’s white in baulk, then played safe. Azor responded with a 35 break but had another ‘kick’ when well set to leave himself dreaming of what might have been. The final few minutes of the match had Azor finish on 22 unfinished, to leave his friend winning the prestigious championship by 673 points to 375. Well done John!
Thanks go to Chandlers Ford Central for holding the final and Chandlers Ford Central’s Korbin Lowe and Totton Rec’s Tony Aldridge for refereeing and marking the final. The only sour note on a fantastic display of billiards was the number of spectators that turned out for the final. Perhaps we should make it compulsory for at least one team member from each club to attend next season…there’s a thought!
John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) – 673
(51, 71, 137, 113, 39, 52, 56, 54)
V
Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central) – 375
(33, 63, 32, 35)
The Gordon Lewis Memorial Scratch Billiards Championship 2017-2018
Semi-finals Wednesday 2 May 7.30pm start. 2 x 3/4 hour sessions. At Sarisbury Social. Draw made on the night
Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central) 309 (32) V Mick Kunzi (Totton Rec) 215
John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) 495 (93, 66, 50, 42, 38) V Chris Bishop (St Denys Cons) 340 (60, 44)
Final on Wednesday 16 March at Chandlers Ford Central Club. 7.30pm start. 2 x 1 hour sessions
300 UP SCRATCH. MATCHES TO START AT 7.30PM AT HOME PLAYER'S CLUB
2 PRELIMINARY MATCHES TO BE PLAYED ON THURSDAY 22ND FEBRUARY OR ANY TIME EARLIER BY MUTUAL CONSENT
Paul Lawrence (Park Gate RBL) 115 V Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) 300
Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central) 300 (62, 40, 40) V Trevor Thorn (Chandlers Ford Central) 250
QUARTER FINALS TO BE PLAYED ON THURSDAY 8 MARCH OR ANY TIME EARLIER BY MUTUAL CONSENT
Tony Aldridge (Totton Rec) 143 V Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central) 300 (38)
Korbin Lowe (Chandlers Ford Central) 260 (33,39) V Chris Bishop (St Denys Cons) 300 (38, 34, 35 unf)
John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) 300 V Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) 145
Mick Kunzi (Totton Rec) 300 (43, 39) V Dave White (Chandlers Ford Central) 103
Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central) 309 (32) V Mick Kunzi (Totton Rec) 215
John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) 495 (93, 66, 50, 42, 38) V Chris Bishop (St Denys Cons) 340 (60, 44)
Final on Wednesday 16 March at Chandlers Ford Central Club. 7.30pm start. 2 x 1 hour sessions
300 UP SCRATCH. MATCHES TO START AT 7.30PM AT HOME PLAYER'S CLUB
2 PRELIMINARY MATCHES TO BE PLAYED ON THURSDAY 22ND FEBRUARY OR ANY TIME EARLIER BY MUTUAL CONSENT
Paul Lawrence (Park Gate RBL) 115 V Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) 300
Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central) 300 (62, 40, 40) V Trevor Thorn (Chandlers Ford Central) 250
QUARTER FINALS TO BE PLAYED ON THURSDAY 8 MARCH OR ANY TIME EARLIER BY MUTUAL CONSENT
Tony Aldridge (Totton Rec) 143 V Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central) 300 (38)
Korbin Lowe (Chandlers Ford Central) 260 (33,39) V Chris Bishop (St Denys Cons) 300 (38, 34, 35 unf)
John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) 300 V Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) 145
Mick Kunzi (Totton Rec) 300 (43, 39) V Dave White (Chandlers Ford Central) 103
The Gordon Lewis Memorial Scratch Billiards Championship 2016-2017
Zagaroli makes it a family evening to remember!
Chandlers Ford Central’s Daniel Zagaroli retained his Southampton Billiards League Gordon Lewis Memorial Billiards Championship title in emphatic style, as he beat his fellow teammate Terry Azor in the final played at Chandlers Ford Central. And it was made all the more memorable as he had members of his family there to spur him on against his long-time friend.
In the two by one hour format match, Zagaroli cued-off in style as he made breaks of 49 (missing a relatively easy pot red off the top spot) and a 37 to lead by 119 to 38. Azor hit back with a 47 break to narrow the gap, but Zagaroli nudged ahead by 153 to 89. Azor then made runs of 28 and 30 to trail by only 28 points.
However Zagaroli showed why he was the form player of the 2016-2017 league season, as he made breaks of 28 and a fine 58 – only to have a ‘kick’ on his cue-ball as he played an in-off red off the top spot, to lead by 269 to 154 at the hour buzzer.
Azor rallied in the second hour by making breaks of 25 and 23, but Zagaroli constructed a sublime 79 break, filled with unnervingly accurate positional play from pot reds off the top spot, to the middle spot, and back to the top spot, mixed with some fine in-offs, to lead by 400 to 190.
A 27 break, a 50, 21, 26 and 22 pushed Zagaroli to 548 to 248 with 15 minutes to go for an unassailable lead. Azor constructed a textbook 27 at the top-of-the-table, but the two-hour buzzer sounded to give Zagaroli the title by 641 points to 292.
The Gordon Lewis Memorial Scratch Billiards Championship 2016-2017
Daniel Zagaroli beats John Mullane and Terry Azor overcomes Mick Kunzi
Reigning Southampton Senior Billiards Champion Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) made it to another finals evening, as he made a wonderful 101 break that helped beat multiple winner and teammate John Mullane, in the two by three quarters of an hour match, played at Totton Rec.
At the halfway buzzer, the scores were beautifully balanced at 193-193 with both players only making one 30 break each – but with Zagaroli on a break of 19. He developed this into a masterful 101 – his sixth century of a remarkably consistent season, to lead by 294 to 193. At the 20 minutes to go mark, he led by only 355 to 314, thanks to Mullane's 47 break and three in the teens. In the last 10 minutes Zagaroli made a 24, 23 and an unfinished 17 to pip the English Amateur semi-finalist by 464 to 399.
In the other semi, Chandlers Ford Central's Terry Azor was paired against Totton's Mick Kunzi. Initially both players struggled to find the fluency of the other players on table one. But Azor made a fine 65 and a 26, and Kunzi kept in touch with three in the teens, only to see Azor pull away at the halfway point to lead by 165 to 75.
At the resumption, Azor made a 43 break to lead by 208 to 73, but Kunzi found his aim and made runs of 18 and 37 to trail by 277 to 201 with 10 minutes to go. Azor then made an 18 break to eventually win by 319 to 229.
The final will be played at Chandlers Ford Central on Thursday 18 May 7.30pm prompt start. All spectators are welcome for what will be a high-class billiards encounter!
The Gordon Lewis Memorial Scratch Billiards Championship 2016-2017
Semi-finals at Totton Rec
Thursday 27 April
7.30pm prompt start
DRAW FOR THE SEMI-FINALS (2 x 3/4 HOUR) TBA
Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central)
John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central)
Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central)
Mick Kunzi (Totton Rec)
Quarter-final preliminary result
Paul Lawrence (Park Gate RBL) 220 V Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central) 300
The Gordon Lewis Memorial Senior Billiards Championship Trophy 2016
Zagaroli wins seventh title
Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) has won the prestigious Southampton billiards league's Gordon Lewis memorial billiards championship for the seventh time. He beat three time champion Paul Adams (Churchills Eastleigh) in the two by one hour final held at Chandlers Ford Central.
Zagaroli had beaten defending champion and five times in a row winner John Mullane in the quarter finals, and overcome five time runner-up and team compatriot Terry Azor in the semi final. Adams had made a wonderful 90 break in his semi final win over Paul Lawrence, but the final started in a chess like fashion, as both players vied for control and got used to the superb and wonderfully fast playing conditions.
Adams made the first telling contributions with a 36 and a 33, but Zagaroli found his own rhythm and made numerous breaks over 25 to lead at the half hour mark. Zagaroli built his scoring on a bedrock of perfect potting and positional play, taking him from the top spot down to the middle spot and back to the top spot. This was mixed with some fine long in-offs and cannons, which helped him to an effortless break of 73. Adams then made a fine 10 hazard break of 54 to reduce the deficit and trail by only 175 points to 197 at the end of the first hour.
Both players played some fine billiards, but could not quite raise the standard to their heady league form. Zagaroli was on a break of six at the one hour buzzer, and took this to 42 at the start of the second hour session, and then added a 33. He played some innovative cannon positional play, sending the red ball around the table, to land perfectly near the top pockets to start another sequence of pot reds to extend his lead. Adams responded with a 38 break but ex-professional snooker player Zagaroli’s accuracy ultimately proved decisive, as he found himself 434 points to 328 at the two hour buzzer for a wonderful championship win. Well done Daniel.
18 May 2016
Zagaroli had beaten defending champion and five times in a row winner John Mullane in the quarter finals, and overcome five time runner-up and team compatriot Terry Azor in the semi final. Adams had made a wonderful 90 break in his semi final win over Paul Lawrence, but the final started in a chess like fashion, as both players vied for control and got used to the superb and wonderfully fast playing conditions.
Adams made the first telling contributions with a 36 and a 33, but Zagaroli found his own rhythm and made numerous breaks over 25 to lead at the half hour mark. Zagaroli built his scoring on a bedrock of perfect potting and positional play, taking him from the top spot down to the middle spot and back to the top spot. This was mixed with some fine long in-offs and cannons, which helped him to an effortless break of 73. Adams then made a fine 10 hazard break of 54 to reduce the deficit and trail by only 175 points to 197 at the end of the first hour.
Both players played some fine billiards, but could not quite raise the standard to their heady league form. Zagaroli was on a break of six at the one hour buzzer, and took this to 42 at the start of the second hour session, and then added a 33. He played some innovative cannon positional play, sending the red ball around the table, to land perfectly near the top pockets to start another sequence of pot reds to extend his lead. Adams responded with a 38 break but ex-professional snooker player Zagaroli’s accuracy ultimately proved decisive, as he found himself 434 points to 328 at the two hour buzzer for a wonderful championship win. Well done Daniel.
18 May 2016
Semi-final results
The Southampton and District Billiard league’s Gordon Lewis Memorial Individual Billiards Championship semi-finals were held at Churchills Eastleigh and saw three former finalists and a semi-finalist newcomer, pit their three-ball game skills against each other.
Six time winner Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) was drawn to play five time runner-up and team compatriot Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central), and made breaks of 68, 46 and 53 to win by 384 points to 281, in the 2 x 3/4 hour timed match.
In the other semi, three-time champion Paul Adams (Churchills Eastleigh) was paired against Paul Lawrence (Park Gate RBL), who was making his first appearance in a timed billiards semi final, a great achievement. Lawrence made a 32 break in the first session but Adams responded with a fine 90 break to eventually win the tie 421 points to 159.
The final will be played on Wednesday 18 May at Chandlers Ford Central.
Daniel Zagaroli 384 (68,46, 53) V Terry Azor 281
Paul Adams 421 (90) V Paul Lawrence 159 (32)
The Southampton and District Billiard league’s Gordon Lewis Memorial Individual Billiards Championship semi-finals were held at Churchills Eastleigh and saw three former finalists and a semi-finalist newcomer, pit their three-ball game skills against each other.
Six time winner Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) was drawn to play five time runner-up and team compatriot Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central), and made breaks of 68, 46 and 53 to win by 384 points to 281, in the 2 x 3/4 hour timed match.
In the other semi, three-time champion Paul Adams (Churchills Eastleigh) was paired against Paul Lawrence (Park Gate RBL), who was making his first appearance in a timed billiards semi final, a great achievement. Lawrence made a 32 break in the first session but Adams responded with a fine 90 break to eventually win the tie 421 points to 159.
The final will be played on Wednesday 18 May at Chandlers Ford Central.
Daniel Zagaroli 384 (68,46, 53) V Terry Azor 281
Paul Adams 421 (90) V Paul Lawrence 159 (32)
QUARTER FINALS RESULTS – 300 UP SCRATCH
Dave White (Chandlers Ford Central) 114 V 300 (71 unfinished) WINNER Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central)
John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) 288 (50, 79) V 300 (50, 52, 89) WINNER Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central)
WINNER Paul Adams (Churchills Eastleigh) 300 (61, 38, 45 unfinished) V 156 (38) Trevor Thorn (Chandlers Ford Central)
Mick Kunzi (Totton Rec) 288 V 300 WINNER Paul Lawrence (Park Gate RBL)
SEMI FINALS ON Wednesday 4 May. Venue TBA – 2 X 3/4 HOUR SESSION
FINAL ON Wednesday 18 May. Venue TBA – 2 X 1 HOUR SESSION
MULLANE MAKES IT FIVE GORDON LEWIS MEMORIAL BILLIARDS CHAMPIONSHIPS IN A ROW!
The Gordon Lewis Memorial Senior Billiards Championship Trophy
2014 – 2015
John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) has retained the Southampton and District, Gordon Lewis Memorial Scratch Billiards Championship, after beating compatriot Trevor Thorn (Chandlers Ford Central) at Shirley Cons club in the two by one hour final.
After beating multiple winner Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) in the semi final the week before, Mullane was in no mood to relinquish his title, but saw his opponent, who had a fine semi final victory over Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central), make the better start with a 30 break. Mullane hit back with a top-of-the-table 33 and a 19 (which broke down after missing a pot red four inches from the pocket!). Thorn then led by 96 points to 80 after contributions of 17 and 14. Mullane then fluked a pot red but missed Thorn’s white completely to give his opponent the advantage.
However, Thorn could not keep the champion at bay for long, as Mullane made a wonderfully thoughtful break of 61. It was compiled with a selection of delicate mid table cannons from hand to leave in-off whites (as opposed to leaving the in-off red, to enable him to place Thorn’s white ball behind the top spot from the in-off). Mullane then lost his opponents white when playing a drop cannon from distance towards the top-of-the-table to finish the break.
Thorn, cueing smoothly despite Mullane’s tempo, then unfortunately made four visits to the table without scoring to trail 106 to 160. Mullane then made a fine all round break of 55, gathering the three balls at the top-of-the-table, only to line all three balls up and miss a run through cannon by millimetres. He didn’t let that affect him though as he then made a superb 68, again showing fine all round control of the white, yellow and red, and not just with rehearsed metronomic top-of-the-table play, to lead by 229 to 120. He then made a 25 break at the buzzer for the one-hour halfway stage to lead by 312 to 124.
Mullane carried on with the break at the resumption and made another half century, this time a fine 52. Thorn could only watch in admiration of Mullane’s consistency, but himself replied with a 23, only to narrowly miss a cannon when in amongst the balls. Mullane then made breaks of 16, 55 and 13 to extend his lead. Thorn replied with a 16 and 19, but again was unfortunate to miss by fractions when set to make a telling contribution.
Mullane then made breaks of 36 and a wonderful top-of-the-table 66 to lead by 590 to 199. Thorn made a gallant 28 towards the end of the two hours, but Mullane made a 31 (finishing with his yellow ball touching his opponents white for a re-spot. This happening an extraordinary three times in the match) and another top-of-the-table 29, to retain the trophy by 735 points to 272. Well done to John and well done to Trevor for getting to his first final!
After beating multiple winner Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) in the semi final the week before, Mullane was in no mood to relinquish his title, but saw his opponent, who had a fine semi final victory over Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central), make the better start with a 30 break. Mullane hit back with a top-of-the-table 33 and a 19 (which broke down after missing a pot red four inches from the pocket!). Thorn then led by 96 points to 80 after contributions of 17 and 14. Mullane then fluked a pot red but missed Thorn’s white completely to give his opponent the advantage.
However, Thorn could not keep the champion at bay for long, as Mullane made a wonderfully thoughtful break of 61. It was compiled with a selection of delicate mid table cannons from hand to leave in-off whites (as opposed to leaving the in-off red, to enable him to place Thorn’s white ball behind the top spot from the in-off). Mullane then lost his opponents white when playing a drop cannon from distance towards the top-of-the-table to finish the break.
Thorn, cueing smoothly despite Mullane’s tempo, then unfortunately made four visits to the table without scoring to trail 106 to 160. Mullane then made a fine all round break of 55, gathering the three balls at the top-of-the-table, only to line all three balls up and miss a run through cannon by millimetres. He didn’t let that affect him though as he then made a superb 68, again showing fine all round control of the white, yellow and red, and not just with rehearsed metronomic top-of-the-table play, to lead by 229 to 120. He then made a 25 break at the buzzer for the one-hour halfway stage to lead by 312 to 124.
Mullane carried on with the break at the resumption and made another half century, this time a fine 52. Thorn could only watch in admiration of Mullane’s consistency, but himself replied with a 23, only to narrowly miss a cannon when in amongst the balls. Mullane then made breaks of 16, 55 and 13 to extend his lead. Thorn replied with a 16 and 19, but again was unfortunate to miss by fractions when set to make a telling contribution.
Mullane then made breaks of 36 and a wonderful top-of-the-table 66 to lead by 590 to 199. Thorn made a gallant 28 towards the end of the two hours, but Mullane made a 31 (finishing with his yellow ball touching his opponents white for a re-spot. This happening an extraordinary three times in the match) and another top-of-the-table 29, to retain the trophy by 735 points to 272. Well done to John and well done to Trevor for getting to his first final!
TREVOR THORN WINS THROUGH TO HIS FIRST BILLIARDS FINAL TO MEET HOLDER JOHN MULLANE
The Gordon Lewis Memorial Scratch Billiards Championship Trophy entered the semi final stages at Shirley Cons, with an all-star Chandlers Ford Central club playing quartet, vying for a place in the final on Wednesday 20 May at the same venue.
The draw, made by multi town billiards champion Jeff James, pitted defending champion John Mullane against multiple winner Daniel Zagaroli, and Terry Azor verses first time entrant Trevor Thorn.
In the two by 3/4 hour format match, Thorn started confidently against multi finalist Azor, and led in the first five minutes. But Azor came back strongly and led by 176 to 131 at the halfway stage, thanks to four breaks in the teens and a 27 and 23. He took the score to 246 to 209, but back came Thorn to trail by only 248 to 235. Thorn then made a first visit 27 from the restart, followed by a 29 and 21 to give him some hope.
Thorn then fluked an in-off red and was about to play Azor’s white ball while his yellow was in the pocket, but Azor gallantly advised him he was about to do so, thus avoiding the two point penalty. With the score at 276 to 270 in Azor’s favour, Thorn made a fine 34 and three lesser breaks to lead for only the second time in the game. And with only a minute to go Azor missed a relatively straightforward pot red into the green pocket to give his opponent a fantastic first appearance in the final, winning the match 322 to 308.
The other semi had Mullane and Zagaroli struggling to make any real telling contributions. But the defending champion made a 28, 32, 32, 27 and 37 to lead by 187 to 141 at the half way stage. Zagaroli made breaks of 28 and 23 but could not get his normal accurate potting aligned with a mix of in-offs and cannons. Mullane then made breaks of 24 and 32 to lead by 275 to 188. Zagaroli responded with a 21 and numerous 10s but then saw his opponent make a 39, 21, a fine 53, 25, 19 and 25 to win by 491 to 252.
So well done to our defending champion for getting back into the final, but the final word must go to Trevor Thorn for a wonderful win over his Chandlers Ford Central captain and a date next week for his first Southampton final!
The draw, made by multi town billiards champion Jeff James, pitted defending champion John Mullane against multiple winner Daniel Zagaroli, and Terry Azor verses first time entrant Trevor Thorn.
In the two by 3/4 hour format match, Thorn started confidently against multi finalist Azor, and led in the first five minutes. But Azor came back strongly and led by 176 to 131 at the halfway stage, thanks to four breaks in the teens and a 27 and 23. He took the score to 246 to 209, but back came Thorn to trail by only 248 to 235. Thorn then made a first visit 27 from the restart, followed by a 29 and 21 to give him some hope.
Thorn then fluked an in-off red and was about to play Azor’s white ball while his yellow was in the pocket, but Azor gallantly advised him he was about to do so, thus avoiding the two point penalty. With the score at 276 to 270 in Azor’s favour, Thorn made a fine 34 and three lesser breaks to lead for only the second time in the game. And with only a minute to go Azor missed a relatively straightforward pot red into the green pocket to give his opponent a fantastic first appearance in the final, winning the match 322 to 308.
The other semi had Mullane and Zagaroli struggling to make any real telling contributions. But the defending champion made a 28, 32, 32, 27 and 37 to lead by 187 to 141 at the half way stage. Zagaroli made breaks of 28 and 23 but could not get his normal accurate potting aligned with a mix of in-offs and cannons. Mullane then made breaks of 24 and 32 to lead by 275 to 188. Zagaroli responded with a 21 and numerous 10s but then saw his opponent make a 39, 21, a fine 53, 25, 19 and 25 to win by 491 to 252.
So well done to our defending champion for getting back into the final, but the final word must go to Trevor Thorn for a wonderful win over his Chandlers Ford Central captain and a date next week for his first Southampton final!
GORDON LEWIS MEMORIAL SENIOR SCRATCH BILLIARDS CHAMPIONSHIP
Semi finals 2 x 3/4 hour to be played ON Wednesday 13 May at 7.30pm
Final 2 x 1 hour to be played ON Wednesday 20 May at 7.30pm
At Shirley Cons
Draw to be made on the evening
GORDON LEWIS MEMORIAL SENIOR SCRATCH BILLIARDS CHAMPIONSHIP – 300 UP SCRATCH
Quarter finals to be played ON or before Wednesday 15 April at 7.30pm
Paul Lawrence (Park Gate RBL) 284 V WINNER 300 Trevor Thorn (Chandlers Ford Central)
Steve Allen (Totton Rec) 191 V 300 WINNER Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central)
Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) WINNER 300 (51) V 201 (44) Paul Adams (Churchills Eastleigh)
John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) WINNER 300 vs 184 Mike Kunzi (Totton Rec)
Semi finals 2 x 3/4 hour to be played ON Wednesday 13 May at 7.30pm
Final 2 x 1 hour to be played ON Wednesday 20 May at 7.30pm
At Shirley Cons
Draw to be made on the evening
GORDON LEWIS MEMORIAL SENIOR SCRATCH BILLIARDS CHAMPIONSHIP – 300 UP SCRATCH
Quarter finals to be played ON or before Wednesday 15 April at 7.30pm
Paul Lawrence (Park Gate RBL) 284 V WINNER 300 Trevor Thorn (Chandlers Ford Central)
Steve Allen (Totton Rec) 191 V 300 WINNER Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central)
Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) WINNER 300 (51) V 201 (44) Paul Adams (Churchills Eastleigh)
John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) WINNER 300 vs 184 Mike Kunzi (Totton Rec)
Chandlers Ford Central's John Mullane retains the Gordon Lewis Memorial Senior Billiards Championship Trophy 2013-2014
John Mullane stepped up a gear in the second half of the two hour long final against Terry Azor, at the Chandlers Ford Central Club. With both players taking time to settle, John eased to a score of 243 at the halfway point, which included a 54 break. Terry doggedly hung in there with breaks of 67 and 55, to bring his score to 207.
The buzzer went for half time when John had reached an ideal "top-of-the-table" position. He returned to record a superb and telling 114 break and then opened the gap further with breaks of 60 and 48. Terry suffered a "kick" whilst playing a standard "in-off" to the top right hand pocket, and although he put a further 183 points on the board, the damage was done. Mullane scored a total of 343 points in that final hour, to lift the Gordon Lewis trophy, which was presented by League President, Peter Green.
Gordon Lewis Cup Final Result:
John Mullane 586 (54, 114, 60, 48) V Terry Azor 390 (67, 55)
(words by kind permission of Tony Aldridge)
SEMI FINALS RESULTS
Terry Azor 387 (30, 40, 67) WINNER V Daniel Zagaroli 278 (39, 31, 55)
John Mullan 550 (110, 47, 67) WINNER V Paul Adams 208 (40)
FINAL AT CHANDLERS FORD CENTRAL THURSDAY 29 MAY AT 7.30pm
2 x 1 hour
First round of the Senior Billiards played ON or BEFORE (ARRANGE BY MUTUAL CONSENT) Thursday 24 April. 7.30pm prompt start
300 UP SCRATCH
John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) V BYE
Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) WINNER V Paul Lawrence (Park Gate RBL)
Mike Kunzi (Totton Rec) 205 V 300 WINNER Paul Adams (Churchills)
Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central) WINNER V Steve Allen (Totton Rec)
The buzzer went for half time when John had reached an ideal "top-of-the-table" position. He returned to record a superb and telling 114 break and then opened the gap further with breaks of 60 and 48. Terry suffered a "kick" whilst playing a standard "in-off" to the top right hand pocket, and although he put a further 183 points on the board, the damage was done. Mullane scored a total of 343 points in that final hour, to lift the Gordon Lewis trophy, which was presented by League President, Peter Green.
Gordon Lewis Cup Final Result:
John Mullane 586 (54, 114, 60, 48) V Terry Azor 390 (67, 55)
(words by kind permission of Tony Aldridge)
SEMI FINALS RESULTS
Terry Azor 387 (30, 40, 67) WINNER V Daniel Zagaroli 278 (39, 31, 55)
John Mullan 550 (110, 47, 67) WINNER V Paul Adams 208 (40)
FINAL AT CHANDLERS FORD CENTRAL THURSDAY 29 MAY AT 7.30pm
2 x 1 hour
First round of the Senior Billiards played ON or BEFORE (ARRANGE BY MUTUAL CONSENT) Thursday 24 April. 7.30pm prompt start
300 UP SCRATCH
John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) V BYE
Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) WINNER V Paul Lawrence (Park Gate RBL)
Mike Kunzi (Totton Rec) 205 V 300 WINNER Paul Adams (Churchills)
Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central) WINNER V Steve Allen (Totton Rec)
MULLANE POWERS TO GLORY
The Gordon Lewis Memorial Senior Billiards Championship Trophy
2012 – 2013
Reigning champion John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central, right in picture above) powered his way to another prestigious Gordon Lewis Memorial Championship Trophy as he overwhelmed his teammate Daniel Zagaroli 807 – 504 in the two-hour final at Churchill’s Eastleigh
Mullane started the match with the yellow ball on the fast and true number one table at Churchill’s, and on his fourth visit to the table he made a 39 break to show his intent not to relinquish his crown to Zagaroli – himself a multiple winner
He then made 38 at the top-of-the-table, moving away to continue the break to 50, then returning to the top to push on to 82. At 93 he found his yellow ball touching Zagaroli's white ball, so a re-spot was automatically called. He took the break on to exactly 100 with a nerve jangling pot red across the table into the left middle pocket, when his cue ball was tight on the opposite rail!
Zagaroli tried to respond but could not recapture the free flowing game he had played against Terry Azor (strangely missing at the final) in the semis the week before. A couple of double baulks and misses ensued but this was just a precursor to Mullane's next achievement...
He gathered the balls at the top-of-the-table at a break of 19 and took this to a wonderful 73, moving away from the top spot when he needed to. Four delicate cannons got him back in position at the top, and he continued to another magical 100. More cannons took his tally to 112 and a fluked pot red, after a gathering cannon, moved him on to 130. He reached 139, and it looked as if a huge break was looming, but missed a close quarters run through in-off white, into the top left pocket thanks to an untimely 'kick'!
Zagaroli responded with a break of 42, but Mullane led by 364 – 71. With his tail now up, Mullane made another visit to the top, and a break of 80 was constructed. A run of 29 and 7 at the one hour buzzer gave him a 487 – 118 lead
After a ten-minute break the two players resumed their battle. Mullane took his run of 7 on to 46 (36 points at the top). Then after Zagaroli had missed on 8, he left his cue ball hanging over the bottom right hand pocket. Mullane measured up a fine in-off and pushed his yellow towards the waiting white. Disaster – he missed Zagaroli's cue ball completely for a 2 point foul! Zagaroli had the balls re-spotted but broke down on 19 at the top.
Mullane then played a perfectly weighted drop cannon to arrive at the top again for a fine 64, followed by 23, to lead 621 – 149. However Zagaroli was also inspired, as he put together breaks of 47, a controlled top-of-the-table 63, followed by a 52 to trail by 685 – 345. He was making a great effort at clawing back Mullane's huge advantage, where other lesser players would have wilted completely
Then Mullane made runs of 21, 47, 11 (missing an in-off red into the right middle pocket from hand – unheard of!) and 16 to leave himself ten minutes from the buzzer. Zagaroli made one last effort with breaks of 33 (his cue ball ending up touching the red for another automatic re-spot), 20 and an unfinished top-of-the-table 38, to gracefully concede that Mullane "has learnt so much", and played wonderfully to win the gleaming cup by 807 – 504, with a match average of 20.69 over the 39 visits to the table
Aerostructure's late Gordon Lewis, who was a fine all round billiard player himself, and who the competition is named after, would have approved of the fabulous billiards skill on show – well done John and Daniel
Mullane started the match with the yellow ball on the fast and true number one table at Churchill’s, and on his fourth visit to the table he made a 39 break to show his intent not to relinquish his crown to Zagaroli – himself a multiple winner
He then made 38 at the top-of-the-table, moving away to continue the break to 50, then returning to the top to push on to 82. At 93 he found his yellow ball touching Zagaroli's white ball, so a re-spot was automatically called. He took the break on to exactly 100 with a nerve jangling pot red across the table into the left middle pocket, when his cue ball was tight on the opposite rail!
Zagaroli tried to respond but could not recapture the free flowing game he had played against Terry Azor (strangely missing at the final) in the semis the week before. A couple of double baulks and misses ensued but this was just a precursor to Mullane's next achievement...
He gathered the balls at the top-of-the-table at a break of 19 and took this to a wonderful 73, moving away from the top spot when he needed to. Four delicate cannons got him back in position at the top, and he continued to another magical 100. More cannons took his tally to 112 and a fluked pot red, after a gathering cannon, moved him on to 130. He reached 139, and it looked as if a huge break was looming, but missed a close quarters run through in-off white, into the top left pocket thanks to an untimely 'kick'!
Zagaroli responded with a break of 42, but Mullane led by 364 – 71. With his tail now up, Mullane made another visit to the top, and a break of 80 was constructed. A run of 29 and 7 at the one hour buzzer gave him a 487 – 118 lead
After a ten-minute break the two players resumed their battle. Mullane took his run of 7 on to 46 (36 points at the top). Then after Zagaroli had missed on 8, he left his cue ball hanging over the bottom right hand pocket. Mullane measured up a fine in-off and pushed his yellow towards the waiting white. Disaster – he missed Zagaroli's cue ball completely for a 2 point foul! Zagaroli had the balls re-spotted but broke down on 19 at the top.
Mullane then played a perfectly weighted drop cannon to arrive at the top again for a fine 64, followed by 23, to lead 621 – 149. However Zagaroli was also inspired, as he put together breaks of 47, a controlled top-of-the-table 63, followed by a 52 to trail by 685 – 345. He was making a great effort at clawing back Mullane's huge advantage, where other lesser players would have wilted completely
Then Mullane made runs of 21, 47, 11 (missing an in-off red into the right middle pocket from hand – unheard of!) and 16 to leave himself ten minutes from the buzzer. Zagaroli made one last effort with breaks of 33 (his cue ball ending up touching the red for another automatic re-spot), 20 and an unfinished top-of-the-table 38, to gracefully concede that Mullane "has learnt so much", and played wonderfully to win the gleaming cup by 807 – 504, with a match average of 20.69 over the 39 visits to the table
Aerostructure's late Gordon Lewis, who was a fine all round billiard player himself, and who the competition is named after, would have approved of the fabulous billiards skill on show – well done John and Daniel
(The happy semi finalists, Terry Azor, John Mullane, Mike Kunzi and Daniel Zagaroli.
The semis were played at Churchills Club Eastleigh and spectators witnessed some fine all round play from the pairings of Terry Azor and Daniel Zagaroli, and holder John Mullane and Mike Kunzi
Azor started his game, but left the red ball slightly out of baulk in the centre of the table. You don't need to give Daniel Zagaroli that sort of chance, even early on in a match, and he duly obliged with a magical run of 83 which included 13 hazards
He followed this with breaks of 57 (14 hazards) and 39 (13 hazards). Azor responded with a 64 but could not stop his opponent leading by a huge 291-90 at the 3/4 hour buzzer
On the other table, holder John Mullane made breaks of 78 and 83, and with Mike Kunzi replying with two 38s, led by only 180 to 100 at their half way point
At the resumption, Zagaroli seemed subdued, as he only added a run of 29 to his tally of breaks. This inspired Azor who made runs of 64 and a magnificent 81, to give himself a chance of clawing back the large deficit. However Zagaroli was not to be denied, as he made a run of smaller breaks to win 417 to 293 at the 1 1/2 hour total
Mullane was not to be outdone by our ex-professional snooker player Zagaroli, as he made breaks of 57, 42 and 64. Kunzi replied with a 31 and 33 but could not stop Mullane from winning by 414 to 272, to set up an intriguing 2 hour final between Mullane and Zagaroli at Churchills next Wednesday 29 May at 7.30pm
Azor started his game, but left the red ball slightly out of baulk in the centre of the table. You don't need to give Daniel Zagaroli that sort of chance, even early on in a match, and he duly obliged with a magical run of 83 which included 13 hazards
He followed this with breaks of 57 (14 hazards) and 39 (13 hazards). Azor responded with a 64 but could not stop his opponent leading by a huge 291-90 at the 3/4 hour buzzer
On the other table, holder John Mullane made breaks of 78 and 83, and with Mike Kunzi replying with two 38s, led by only 180 to 100 at their half way point
At the resumption, Zagaroli seemed subdued, as he only added a run of 29 to his tally of breaks. This inspired Azor who made runs of 64 and a magnificent 81, to give himself a chance of clawing back the large deficit. However Zagaroli was not to be denied, as he made a run of smaller breaks to win 417 to 293 at the 1 1/2 hour total
Mullane was not to be outdone by our ex-professional snooker player Zagaroli, as he made breaks of 57, 42 and 64. Kunzi replied with a 31 and 33 but could not stop Mullane from winning by 414 to 272, to set up an intriguing 2 hour final between Mullane and Zagaroli at Churchills next Wednesday 29 May at 7.30pm
Mullane wins through to semi final
Current champion John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) booked his place in this Wednesday's semi final at Churchills Eastleigh with a 'close' win over Paul Adams (Churchills Eastleigh) on Saturday 18 May
In the 300 up scratch format tournament Adams started positively with a first visit break of 32 and followed this with a fine 56, narrowly missing a run through in off white into the left middle pocket from hand. Mullane replied with a 34 but trailed the three times champion in the first third
Adams steadily built up a 90 points lead over the ex England amateur number one. But this inspired Mullane to compile runs of 34, 42 and 38. Adams took his point's tally to 176 and with both players loving the Churchills table, believed he could topple the champion!
Then it just had to happen! Showing us just how 'easy' the game of billiards can be, Mullane compiled what was to be a wonderful break of 113 unfinished to win 300-176. The break was full of delicate cannons to guide the three balls around the top-of-the-table. Mixed with some confident potting and forced cannons to send the first object ball around the angles to land back with the other two balls, it was a master class of how we should all aspire to play
Adams had beaten Mullane in the 2005 final with an 85 break, but Mullane is a different player now and it was a joy to be part of a great game with our league's best player. Well-done John
Semi Finals on Wednesday 22 May at Churchill's Eastleigh, 7.30pm prompt start
Terry Azor
Mike Kunzi
Daniel Zagaroli
John Mullane
Final on Wednesday 29 May at Churchill's Eastleigh, 7.30pm prompt start
Gordon Lewis Senior Billiards Championship – scratch, 300-up
To be played ON Thursday 25 April at 7.30pm
(You can however arrange to play your match earlier if you wish) Please advise myself or Sid of the winner
Mike Kunzi (Totton Rec) BYE
Paul Adams (Churchills) 176 V 300 John Mullane WINNER (Chandlers Ford Central)
(Being played weekend of the 18 / 19 May)
Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central) WINNER (Wayne conceded due to damaged wrist) V Wayne Crotty (Hythe Social)
Steve Allen (Totton Rec) 223 V 300 (50, 36) Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) WINNER
Current champion John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) booked his place in this Wednesday's semi final at Churchills Eastleigh with a 'close' win over Paul Adams (Churchills Eastleigh) on Saturday 18 May
In the 300 up scratch format tournament Adams started positively with a first visit break of 32 and followed this with a fine 56, narrowly missing a run through in off white into the left middle pocket from hand. Mullane replied with a 34 but trailed the three times champion in the first third
Adams steadily built up a 90 points lead over the ex England amateur number one. But this inspired Mullane to compile runs of 34, 42 and 38. Adams took his point's tally to 176 and with both players loving the Churchills table, believed he could topple the champion!
Then it just had to happen! Showing us just how 'easy' the game of billiards can be, Mullane compiled what was to be a wonderful break of 113 unfinished to win 300-176. The break was full of delicate cannons to guide the three balls around the top-of-the-table. Mixed with some confident potting and forced cannons to send the first object ball around the angles to land back with the other two balls, it was a master class of how we should all aspire to play
Adams had beaten Mullane in the 2005 final with an 85 break, but Mullane is a different player now and it was a joy to be part of a great game with our league's best player. Well-done John
Semi Finals on Wednesday 22 May at Churchill's Eastleigh, 7.30pm prompt start
Terry Azor
Mike Kunzi
Daniel Zagaroli
John Mullane
Final on Wednesday 29 May at Churchill's Eastleigh, 7.30pm prompt start
Gordon Lewis Senior Billiards Championship – scratch, 300-up
To be played ON Thursday 25 April at 7.30pm
(You can however arrange to play your match earlier if you wish) Please advise myself or Sid of the winner
Mike Kunzi (Totton Rec) BYE
Paul Adams (Churchills) 176 V 300 John Mullane WINNER (Chandlers Ford Central)
(Being played weekend of the 18 / 19 May)
Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central) WINNER (Wayne conceded due to damaged wrist) V Wayne Crotty (Hythe Social)
Steve Allen (Totton Rec) 223 V 300 (50, 36) Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central) WINNER
JOHN MULLANE RETAINS GORDON LEWIS MEMORIAL BILLIARD TROPHY
John Mullane insisted he was “the second most disappointed person in the room” after being crowned Southampton billiards champion for the third time in four years.
The former England international defeated his team captain Terry Azor 499-446 in a thrilling two-hour match in which both finalists compiled century breaks.
Clutching The Gordon Lewis Cup after his victory on the super-fast, tight match-table at Cue T’s Snooker Lounge, Marchwood, Mullane had words of sympathy for Azor, who has never lifted the trophy in his long career. “There’s nobody more pleased than me to win,” said the 40-year-old from Winchester. “But I’m probably the second most disappointed person in the room because Terry’s my best mate and I’m upset for him. “To play that well, I was almost rooting for him!”
The ageless Azor raced into an early lead in the Southampton & District Billiards & Snooker Association’s individual final with breaks of 53 and 36. But his Chandlers Ford Central Club teammate replied with a 44 and, then in tune with the pace of the cloth, crafted a top-of-the-table 75. Resuming at the table after the mid-session interval, Azor, helped by excellent potting and ‘in-offs’, turned his run of 33 into 106.
The defending champion responded with a 112 to trail by one point, which prompted Azor to quip: “Can we stop now?” With less than 30 minutes to play, Mullane took a 28-point lead with a 51. As the clocked ticked past the five-minute mark, Azor broke down on 24. Mullane made certain with a 25 and double-baulked his opponent with seconds to go.
Mullane reckoned Azor’s ton actually turned the match in his favour. “He looked like his tail was up,” he explained. “It was lovely to see him play so well. “That seemed to fire me up and I got back in and made 112. But I thought to myself ‘that’s not enough’.
“I nibbled my way back in front by 20 or 30. With half-an-hour left he started missing a few. “We can all do our thing on the day. I wouldn’t play in it if I didn’t think it was worth winning. It means something to beat the solid, all-round players that we’ve got. “It was excellent.” Mullane added that the table was “brilliant”. “I’d love to play snooker on it and I’d happily play billiards on it,” he said. “It’s perfect. It’s as good as anything I’ve played on.”
In the last-four, Mullane defeated three-time champion Paul Adams (Churchills) while Azor saw off first-time semi-finalist Steve Allen (Totton Rec).
Final (2 hours): John Mullane 499-446 Terry Azor.
Referee: Tony Aldridge; scorer: Mike Thatcher.
Semi-finals (90 mins): Mullane 332-262 Paul Adams, Steve Allen 221-308 Azor.
Words by Tim Dunkley World Snooker coach. Picture and additional reporting by Paul Adams
2011-2012
The former England international defeated his team captain Terry Azor 499-446 in a thrilling two-hour match in which both finalists compiled century breaks.
Clutching The Gordon Lewis Cup after his victory on the super-fast, tight match-table at Cue T’s Snooker Lounge, Marchwood, Mullane had words of sympathy for Azor, who has never lifted the trophy in his long career. “There’s nobody more pleased than me to win,” said the 40-year-old from Winchester. “But I’m probably the second most disappointed person in the room because Terry’s my best mate and I’m upset for him. “To play that well, I was almost rooting for him!”
The ageless Azor raced into an early lead in the Southampton & District Billiards & Snooker Association’s individual final with breaks of 53 and 36. But his Chandlers Ford Central Club teammate replied with a 44 and, then in tune with the pace of the cloth, crafted a top-of-the-table 75. Resuming at the table after the mid-session interval, Azor, helped by excellent potting and ‘in-offs’, turned his run of 33 into 106.
The defending champion responded with a 112 to trail by one point, which prompted Azor to quip: “Can we stop now?” With less than 30 minutes to play, Mullane took a 28-point lead with a 51. As the clocked ticked past the five-minute mark, Azor broke down on 24. Mullane made certain with a 25 and double-baulked his opponent with seconds to go.
Mullane reckoned Azor’s ton actually turned the match in his favour. “He looked like his tail was up,” he explained. “It was lovely to see him play so well. “That seemed to fire me up and I got back in and made 112. But I thought to myself ‘that’s not enough’.
“I nibbled my way back in front by 20 or 30. With half-an-hour left he started missing a few. “We can all do our thing on the day. I wouldn’t play in it if I didn’t think it was worth winning. It means something to beat the solid, all-round players that we’ve got. “It was excellent.” Mullane added that the table was “brilliant”. “I’d love to play snooker on it and I’d happily play billiards on it,” he said. “It’s perfect. It’s as good as anything I’ve played on.”
In the last-four, Mullane defeated three-time champion Paul Adams (Churchills) while Azor saw off first-time semi-finalist Steve Allen (Totton Rec).
Final (2 hours): John Mullane 499-446 Terry Azor.
Referee: Tony Aldridge; scorer: Mike Thatcher.
Semi-finals (90 mins): Mullane 332-262 Paul Adams, Steve Allen 221-308 Azor.
Words by Tim Dunkley World Snooker coach. Picture and additional reporting by Paul Adams
2011-2012
GORDON LEWIS MEMORIAL SEMI-FINAL BILLIARD LINE-UP COMPLETE
The Southampton Billiard League’s most prestigious individual title – The Gordon Lewis Memorial Senior Individual Scratch Billiards Championship has reached the semi-final stage
Current champion John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) overcame host Mike Kunzi (Totton Rec) 300-184. Kunzi started well and made a 32 to lead 86-85, but Mullane got into his stride and made breaks of 36 and 46. Kunzi fought back with a 22, but missed a red off the ‘top spot’ when in amongst the balls, to let Mullane in for a decisive 58 and 48
Three-time champion Paul Adams (Churchill’s Eastleigh) faced eight-time winner Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central). Adams had never beaten Zagaroli off scratch before, but triumphed 300-217 – making a 42 and 30 – for a memorable victory
Last years semi finalists – Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central) visited Wayne Crotty (Hythe Social), and won 300-220 while Steve Allen (Totton Rec) will be keen to prove himself in his first semi-final, after progressing with a bye
(Photo – players from left to right. Steve Allen, John Mullane, Terry Azor and Paul Adams) 2011-2012
Current champion John Mullane (Chandlers Ford Central) overcame host Mike Kunzi (Totton Rec) 300-184. Kunzi started well and made a 32 to lead 86-85, but Mullane got into his stride and made breaks of 36 and 46. Kunzi fought back with a 22, but missed a red off the ‘top spot’ when in amongst the balls, to let Mullane in for a decisive 58 and 48
Three-time champion Paul Adams (Churchill’s Eastleigh) faced eight-time winner Daniel Zagaroli (Chandlers Ford Central). Adams had never beaten Zagaroli off scratch before, but triumphed 300-217 – making a 42 and 30 – for a memorable victory
Last years semi finalists – Terry Azor (Chandlers Ford Central) visited Wayne Crotty (Hythe Social), and won 300-220 while Steve Allen (Totton Rec) will be keen to prove himself in his first semi-final, after progressing with a bye
(Photo – players from left to right. Steve Allen, John Mullane, Terry Azor and Paul Adams) 2011-2012